The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has led discussions with the leadership of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Pennsylvania, United States, on opportunities to establish Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships aimed at strengthening practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigerian universities. In a statement signed by……
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has led discussions with the leadership of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Pennsylvania, United States, on opportunities to establish Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships aimed at strengthening practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigerian universities.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister of Education, Ikharo Attah, on Sunday, the engagement was held ahead of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly as part of the Federal Ministry of Education’s efforts to deepen international partnerships and expose Nigerian students and institutions to global expertise, emerging technologies and innovative approaches to higher education.
Alausa, who led a Nigerian delegation to the university, toured its hands-on STEM laboratories and applied learning facilities, where students demonstrated practical applications in robotics, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, data science, biotechnology, health sciences and interactive media.
The minister also met with the President of Harrisburg University, Dr Christopher M. Reber, and senior university officials to explore areas of potential collaboration.
Read Also: Alausa Commends NYSC Digital Reforms To Tackle Fraud
The demonstrations showcased an education model that combines classroom learning with experimentation, research, technology and problem-solving, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Speaking on the proposed partnership, Alausa said, “The Federal Government is particularly interested in leveraging Transnational Education to create structured academic and institutional partnerships between Nigerian universities and reputable international institutions.”
He noted that Nigeria, through the National Universities Commission, had established a TNE framework covering joint and twinning programmes, articulation arrangements, branch campuses, online and blended learning, franchised programmes, joint research initiatives, as well as faculty and student exchange programmes.
Alausa said, “Transnational Education should go beyond access to foreign qualifications,” stressing that it should facilitate “knowledge exchange, research and innovation, faculty development, technology transfer and stronger university-industry linkages.”
The minister said possible areas of collaboration with Harrisburg University included artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and health sciences.
According to Alausa, “Partnerships in these fields have the potential to strengthen laboratory-based learning, build faculty capacity, expand research opportunities and equip Nigerian graduates with practical skills aligned with industry requirements and the demands of the digital economy.”
The minister also interacted with Nigerian and other African students at Harrisburg University, highlighting the importance of sustaining academic and cultural connections among Africans.
The statement said the interaction reflected the objectives of the 2026 African Cultural Festival, themed “The Great Reunion: Culture, Education, and Collaboration,” which promotes education, cultural exchange and collaboration as tools for strengthening African connections and advancing shared development goals.
Also present were the Chief Strategy Officer of Harrisburg University, David Clickner; Department Chair, Manufacturing Systems, Dr Richard Pitts Jr.; Executive Director, Strategic Healthcare Initiative, Dr Luanne Reese Hutchinson; Wole Adeniyi of the African Cultural Festival; and Nigerian and other African students of the university.
The statement said the visit underscored the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to ensuring that international academic partnerships deliver tangible benefits for Nigerian students and universities, particularly in practical skills development, research, innovation and technology transfer.
Alausa said, “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry will continue to pursue education reforms and strategic international partnerships designed to place skills development, innovation and technology at the centre of national development.”
He added, “The Federal Government remains committed to equipping Nigerian students with the knowledge, practical competencies and technological skills required to drive innovation, support economic growth and compete in the global knowledge economy.”
